The Exchange Credit Program (ECP) is operated and funded by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), a branch of the Department of Defense. The program was established by Congress in 1979 to protect service members from predatory lending, and offering responsible credit solutions to customers continues to be a core mission for the program today.
ECP operates the MILITARY STAR program on behalf of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines Corps and Coast Guard. There are approximately 2 million cardholders from all branches of service. The vision of MILITARY STAR is to be the one card solution for all purchases made on installation.
MILITARY STAR customers benefit from fair and flexible terms to help them safely and affordably build credit, multiple discounts that save them money all year long and programs that support the well-being of their military community. Cardholders also have 24/7 access to the Exchange Contact Center, an internal team of dedicated professionals committed to serving the unique needs of military customers. The call center services approximately 4 million calls annually. Read more about MILITARY STAR benefits here
In addition to advantages for customers, the entire military community benefits when shoppers who use MILITARY STAR. A significant portion of MILITARY STAR earnings are returned to the community to fund MWR programs. The Exchange Credit Program has returned $639 million to these programs over the last 10 years. Since MILITARY STAR card transactions are processed in-house, costly merchant and bank fees are avoided. This allows the Exchange Credit Program to return an even greater amount to the military community.